Molly & Ricky Woofter, Charleston, SC

2002 Immediate Need Fund Recipient

After Ricky was diagnosed with MS at age 24, he and Molly incurred numerous medical expenses not covered under insurance. Betterment assisted the Woofter’s financially with a gift from the Immediate Need Fund so that they could continue Ricky’s medical treatments and their outreach efforts with children. As an environmental research specialist, Ricky had been involved in numerous outreach projects to educate children throughout the state. And year after year, Molly coached and chaperoned her high school students in a variety of educational endeavors.

“Betterment helped out when my husband was first diagnosed. At that time it seemed like our whole world was crashing in – he was 24 years old and we had just gotten engaged and things were just piling up. We were having a really tough time getting insurance to fund anything. We thought we would each have to take second jobs. The donation gave us more time to search for other options,” said Molly. “It was our ray of hope.”

“MS is in the back of our minds all of the time – but, doesn’t run our lives. In June, we did a 50 mile walk and raised close $10,000 for MS Society.” Molly added. She and Ricky are also currently working with their students to restore wetlands in their community (a project that received national awards), coaching youth soccer and cheerleading, and leading reading groups at their church.

“Rickie is doing so well now, so we want to show that MS doesn’t end your life. You can still do things for the community.”

Along with their endless community outreach efforts, we were happy to hear that Ricky is beginning his PhD in Metabolomics in 2006 and Molly is expecting their first baby in September!

“What we enjoy most about Betterment is that it is people around our age making the choice to make a difference. We often hear that our age group is so lazy – but you’re out there doing something. That was a huge deal to us.” ~Molly Woofter